Estate Agent Moving Tips

For many, moving house is an exciting prospect as they are already imagining the exciting times they will experience in their new home.

However, the actual “physical moving” aspect can be so daunting that it really kills this enthusiasm! If you are well prepared, in advance, and you hire the right removal company, you can lessen the pain. Estate agents are involved with assisting clients to move on a daily basis, so we asked for their opinions and tips on how to handle the moving process.

Andre De Villiers, principal of the Chas Everitt franchise in Cape Town’s Southern Suburbs and a 25 year real estate veteran, pointed out that clients really do need to consider the level of service that they really need. “Like many service companies, removal companies regularly update, improve and enlarge their service range to stay competitive. How it works is that from the actual planning of your move, physically packing and unpacking, to the likes of decorating and setting out your furniture in your new house, you can now select the range of services you need and have the removal company “tailor-make” the offering to suit your needs and budget,” he concluded.

“Choose your removal folks well in advance (at least 2 months if possible) of your move date. Take the time and check/get (genuine) recommendations and endorsements via the likes of your estate agency or agent, friends, family & workmates. Clear out – give away, sell or toss items you don’t need or require any more, get a few local haulers to give you quotes on dumping what you need to and then get at least 3 separate quotes on what it will cost to move what is left before you decide,” is the advice offered by Christo Steyn who heads up the Pretoria East & North Chas Everitt franchises.

Liz Ellice, who has been active in the Kloof and Hillcrest property market in Kwazulu Natal for many years, advises “Be cautious of any removers whose quote is way below the others. A quote that’s too low can be an indicator that someone is trying to “buy” your business – alternatively it can also be a sign of inexperience. Remember that you will be entrusting a stranger with all your precious personal belongings – you need to feel reasonably confident that they will are going to take care and get it all safely to your new house”.

“My Father always told me “Measure twice and cut once,” says Dr Deon Lessing, owner of the Chas Everitt Western Seaboard operation based in Tableview in the Cape. “Ensure you meet with someone from your removers to double check that they know exactly what needs to be moved, and re-confirm both pack-up and the delivery dates. Also establish whether your removal folks accepted payment methods. Check if a deposit is necessary or required and don’t be afraid to ask if there are any discounts for moving cash versus card or the likes of a mid-month or mid-winter move for example.”

“Do an estimate of the value of your goods and arrange proper transit insurance. As a general idea the total value of general household contents will be around one that of your current home, and you should then add the replacement cost of the likes of your special items such as paintings/collectables etc. Double check whether precious goods you elect to pack or transport yourself are going to be covered. And in the event of damage to any item, ensure you file a claim immediately & save the packing materials as proof to an assessor should this be needed,” is the final comment proffered by Charlotte Vermaak from the Chas Everitt Port Elizabeth office. “Insurance is a must and often an area people mistakenly cut on,” she concluded.